Insane Turn of Events: Georgi Karakhanyan in Against Emmanuel Sanchez for Bellator 218 Main Event

Less than two weeks out from the event, Bellator 218 has a change to its main event, as Georgi Karakhanyan returns to the promotion for the first time in over a year to face Emmanuel Sanchez.

What an insane turn of events indeed. Less than two weeks away, Bellator 218 in Thackerville, Oklahoma was set to offer a main event featherweight clash between former title challenger Emmanuel Sanchez, and Ashleigh Grimshaw. However, on Friday, Bellator MMA announced via social media that Grimshaw had been replaced by former Bellator featherweight and ex-WSOF champ Georgi Karakhanyan.

The promotion did not provide a reason for Grimshaw’s removal from the card.

Karakhanyan (29–8–1 (1)), occasionally known as ‘Insane,’ last fought for Bellator in January 2018, suffering a unanimous decision loss against Henry Corrales at Bellator 198. He was released by the promotion shortly after the fight. Karakhanyan, who holds notable wins over Din Thomas, Lance Palmer, and Bubba Jenkins, will now embark on his third stint with Bellator, at a very opportune time. A strong showing could land him a spot in Bellator’s upcoming Featherweight Grand Prix.

In any case, ACB hit hard times, and ‘Insane’ is back in greener pastures for a short notice fight against Sanchez. For ‘El Matador,’ it’s his first fight back after losing a title bid against Patricio Freire last year. That dropped Sanchez’s record to 17–4 .

Bellator 218 takes place March 22 at the WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK. The event airs live on Paramount Network and DAZN.

Editor at Cageside Press, Jay has been covering the sport of mixed martial arts for several years. His work has appeared on The MMA Corner, What Culture, Cage Pages, MMA News, Today's Knockout, and Fox Sports (via Fansided). Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College. When not slaving at the keyboard, he can be found in the company of his dog, a good book, or getting lost in the woods.